Plundering and looting by Johannesburg Police continues unchecked

7 May 2012

SANTRA received an alert from informal traders in Lenasia indicating that twenty or more people dressed in Johannesburg Metro Police Department Uniforms had begun looting and plundering their stalls. No reciepts were issued for goods taken and witnesses had seen"several trucks were packed with goods"belonging to traders. This comes close on the heels of a shocking incident shown on national television in Ivory Park only a few days ago in which stalls were looted and a trader beaten up.

Witnesses to this incident are Zak Essop and Darren. Both these individuals are being sought by JHB metro police officers who were quoted as saying "we are looking for them because they talk too muc.h"

FEEDBACK: Street Traders and City of Johannesburg Officials meeting held last Friday

A request by SANTRA for a total moratorium on the confiscation of street traders stock as a means of law enforcement was unanimously backed by 100 trader leaders present at the meeting. The city refused to commit itself.

It was however agreed, under extreme pressure that the request would be tabled with the members of the mayoral committee for both law enforcement and economic development, early

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